For 121 years, The Michigan Daily has been a place where students can experiment, make mistakes and learn the craft of journalism in a way unlike any other. Students have done that without funding from the University of Michigan, support from a journalism school or guidance from an editorial adviser. And they've excelled to become some of the nation's most accomplished journalists including Ann Marie Lipinski, Amy Harmon, Eugene Robinson and Daniel Okrent.

But the fragile state of journalism in America and the Daily's own fragile financial state threaten the future of this opportunity. Some advertisers that the Daily once relied upon to support its existence are turning away from newspapers.

We are rising to the challenge. In just one year, we have created a new content management system, launched a new website and dramatically expanded our online resources. The new push continues to bring exponential growth in our online revenue.

We know there is more to do, though. And we need your help. As the Daily transitions in this new media environment, we need our readers and alumni to support our mission. Please consider giving to the Daily. Donations can be made to either the Daily's general fund or its scholarship fund. The program fund goes to the continued operation and improvement of the paper; the scholarship fund goes right to the overworked and underpaid students who put together the paper. Both funds support the continued functioning of a newspaper that provides an incredible opportunity for students — the same students who will go on to re-invent journalism at news organizations across the country.